Speedstep can't hit max cpu speed

I have an X61 Tablet with the L7500 cpu. I have speedstep enabled, but the cpu speed can't hit 1.6ghz. When it's idle, it goes down to 800mhz, but with cpu usage at 100%, it only goes up to 1.2ghz. I've also tried turning speedstep off, and it runs at a constant 1.2ghz. Anyone know why it won't run at 1.6ghz? I'm on Ultimate x64 btw.

 

This might sound like a silly question, but are you on AC power or battery. If on AC power, do you also have the battery installed or removed?

 

What does the bios report as the clock? Now that I think about it, I don't remember that the BIOS on my T61 ever reported the clock.

 

I'll second this question because if you fall into the latter, there's a known solution.

Edit: Also, it appears the problem i was having is now fixed on the T61p's according to a recent thread.

 

I'm on AC. It turns out that with the battery plugged in, it goes up to 1.6. Since I've been using it with the battery out, it only runs at 1.2. Any idea why it does this?

 

Bingo! Logical error with the Power Manager on either Lenovo's or Microsoft's end. I had the same problem but it took me even longer to figure out the solution. I've notified lenovo about the problem. Feel free to do so as well.

 

My question doesn't seem silly anymore does it? (I know I'm the only one that called it "silly")

 

Thanks for helping me figure out the problem. I just tested on battery alone, and it goes up to 1.6.

 

Just curious guys. Do you have the 60W A/C adapter or 90W adapter?

 

Yup, it's normal while on battery alone. The problem only occurs when you're running soley on AC without the battery pack installed.

@Stallen: 65W.

 

I have the 65W one. It should be plenty since it has no problem charging even under full load.

 

I'm wondering if it is possible that the 65W isn't providing enough juice so the CPU is clocking down to compensate.

I remember someone on here just a few days ago said they were getting max CPU performance with the battery out and on AC power.

 

Here is is: http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=155328

The very last post from paradoxer. He didn't say he actually looked at the CPU speed. He said he performed a benchmark without any change with or without the battery installed.

 

Here too:
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=155790&page=2&highlight=new+T61p

Post #20. I asked Kebs if he was having the problem on his new T61p.

Edit: I have my notebook running on battery alone with the Power Manager set to Maximum Performance. The battery readings are: Current 1.48A, Voltage 12.25V, and Wattage 17.57W. AC Power Supply alone should provide much more Voltage and Wattage compared to the battery pack alone, yet there is no problem solely running on the battery pack.

 

Yeah.. and from what I understand, T61 with nVidia graphics come with the 90W AC adapter. Connection? I dunno maybe, maybe not.

 

I have a X61 and am experiencing this right now. 1.2GHz max on AC power with battery removed. Has there been any fix? On BIOS 1.06 btw.

 

I don't think there is a software/BIOS fix, but I still have the theory that this is only an issue with AC adapter rated at 70W or less. I haven't heard of this being an issue with the 90W adapters. I'd say if it is important to you try out a 90 - 120W adapter that you can buy from bestbuy/circuit city/radioshack. If it doesn't work out you can always return it and get your money back.

If you try this out, please report your findings back to this thread.